Ivy Tech Community College-Southwest Top Questions

The average high school senior can make the transition into college successful by taking the proper steps in managing their personal finances. I myself had many struggles regarding my finances while attending Ball State. As a senior I was unaware that the university only allowed students to work a maximum of twenty hours per week and jobs only paid minimum wage to freshmen. It was also very challenging since the majority of students were seeking entry jobs upon arrival therefore making it hard to secure one on campus. All of these things had made it very difficult to successfully pay all of my bills, have gas money to visit home, have money for class projects, and money to cover everyday expenses. I also did not foresee that it would take about a week or so for my student loan monies to arrive in the mail. By not having my student loan immediately I was in a pinch trying to purchase my books for the first week of classes causing me to initially fall behind academically. I also would have made sure I had a sufficient amount of money saved to fall back on while establishing a job.

There are a lot of things I wish I had known about before hand, but if I could go back and tell myself what life would be like after high school, I could have prepared myself better for it. I am not currently attending college, but not by choice. I got accepted into Cornish College of the Arts, but couldn?t afford it. I didn?t take any time in investing in another, less expensive school. My mistake was not realizing the reality, and looking into other options. Its one thing to not go to college, it?s another to not be able to find a job. The economy certainly isn?t doing me a favor, either. It seems like life after high school is tougher than I thought; if I could tell myself what it was really going to be like then maybe I would have spent more time searching for scholarships. Last year, I relied completely on grants and loans, but I didn?t feel I qualified for enough scholarships to even apply. This year I am going to try harder, because I can?t fix the past, I can only prevent my future from becoming a mistake.

Do not procrasinate about school go on and get a better education the days of working at a place and retiring from there will be gone soon.

If I could go back into time I would tell myself to choose everything I do carefully and to not get too far ahead of myself with planning to it causing stress. All of my plans from last year have changed completely since I entered college and they've all been for the best. You never know what to except once you get to where you are so don't try and let that stop you from enjoying high school.

I would tell myself not to worry so much. I would also try much harder in high school and take more extracurricular activities. I would have told myself to play a sport and get good at it. This would enable me to possibly get a scholarship. School is expensive and every little bit helps. I would also have told myself to make friends with everyone, not just people who are like me. There is a lot to be learned from people that are different from yourself. You don't find that out if you never give them the chance, so I would tell myself to broaden my mind and be more outgoing.

I would have recommend more math and writing classes as a freshmen in college. To get involved in a self study group as soon as you can. Network to make friends.

I would advise myself to take full advantage of all the advanced placement opportunities. I had the opportunity to take the CLEP test for algebra and bypass the math requirement altogether at college. The professor who advised me that semester talked me out of it, and I took calculus instead to fill the math requirement. Taking calculus wasn't a waste, but having the extra 3 hours of credit would have been nice. I also would have studied harder for my Spanish placement test. I still managed to skip one class after a few hours' studying--and earned credit for it--but who knows whether I could have skipped another class if I had been more prepared.

If i could go back in time i would tell myself to get on the ball and dont go adrift. It's not as hard as you may think all you have to do is stay focused. I would apply for alot more college scholarships and grants as well as colleges. I would tell myself not to give up on my dreams and i can be and do anything i want to if i put my mind to it. I would tell myself to get far away from my foster parents now knowing they would be one of my down falls. I would fill out that application to that fashion school in Chicago and i would convince myself to just go and live my life and have fun while ddoing it. That would have made all the diffence in my life but, now i know the things i need to know about college and i am not going to give up and let no one at all stand in my way. I am so thankful that i was given a second chance to go to college. Its not going to be easy having kids while doing it either. Johneka McCrutcheon

"Do NOT be scared. College is a place to find yourself. It is a place of acceptance. "If I had known the atmosphere of a college classroom before I started, I may have chosen another path. I stayed local because I was afraid. I would tell my self there is nothing to fear; to go out and take in all the world has to offer. I wish I had been fully aware of the fact that college isn't just about the things you learn in a book. It is about the things you learn about yourself, your relationships with others, and your future. Not just a future in the workplace, but a future of adulthood, responsibilities, and life changing experiences. If I could go back in time, I would make myself realize that life doesn't end when you leave for college. College has changed not only my view of myself, but the world I live in. I feel as if I was living in the dark and someone opened a door and let in the light. It is the beginning of a new world, new ideas, and ultimately, a new, wiser you!

I would tell myself to expect there to be less leisure time. Additionally, that college classes take more time and planning. That organization and planning ahead is key to doing well. Furthermore, that the reading assignments take up a huge amount of time and to read the assignments ahead of time. Also, to study way ahead of time for the test.